Pros & Cons of Old Properties & New Builds

The experience of buying a modern new build property will be very different to buying, say a house that is
100 years old, and while there are many pros and cons of each type of house, the choice will really come
down to what you are looking for in a home.

The case for new builds

There is no housing chain involved. The housing chain can cause lots of stress so buying a new build can
make for plainer sailing.

The environmental effect. Generally speaking older houses are likely to be less efficient. In fact, research
from the Zero Carbon Hub predicts that buying a new build could result in annual savings of around 55% on
gas and electric bills when compared with an older property.

Although new builds are often criticised for all looking the same and are built to similar standards and
specifications, those specifications are very high which means you can be safe in the knowledge that there
will be no nasty surprises waiting for you. When new homes are built they have high requirements to meet
for fire safety, energy efficiency, sound proofing, building materials and ventilation, which should provide
some peace of mind.

Many new build properties will be incentivised with generous deals, such as a discounted selling price, an
offer of paid stamp duty or free landscaping. Additionally, if your new build home is built in conjunction
with the National House Building Council (NHBC) then it will be protected with a 10-year warranty.

New build houses are ready to move into straight away. With an older property you might need to keep a certain
proportion of your budget for re-tiling a bathroom, installing double glazing or insulating a draughty attic,
moving into a new build is much more a case of customization rather than renovation and therefore will likely
cost you less money.

The case for older properties

Older houses are more likely to have lots of interesting and unique features that might not be commonly found
elsewhere, such as unusual structures, period flooring, doors, staircases, chimneys and fireplaces and also
basements and attics which are less common in new builds.

Price. Although the house may need some renovation, as long as the property is structurally sound then you
might end up having to pay less money than you would for a new build. This could allow you to find a property
for a low value, fix it up and then place it back on the market either to sell for a profit or as a buy-to-let
property.

While it’s true that older properties can be harder to heat, this doesn’t necessarily mean that
a new build property is the answer to reducing your carbon footprint. You can improve the energy efficiency
of an old home by insulating draughts and attic space, installing double glazing and using carbon saving
appliances.

Location. Whereas modern homes tend to be built on the outskirts of a town on newly developed land, older
homes are often in the thick of the city nearby to important amenities like shops and schools.

The choice is yours

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between these two types of houses your motivations
behind your initial move will usually be the decisive factor. It is important to remember that every house
is different and there are always exceptions to the rule.

Get in Touch

Here at Hudson Moody we have plenty of experience helping people to find their dream homes in the York area.
For advice and more information please call our office on 01904 650650 or alternatively click here to search
our available properties online.

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'Understanding , Patience and Professionalism'

A big thank you for all of the help you have given us during the buying of our new house. It has been
greatly appreciated. In fact i dont think we would be completed now if it wasn't for your Understanding,
Patience and Professionalism.

A "Real" Estate Agent !

I would have no hesitation in recommending Hudson Moody to any Prospective seller and buyer , a "real"
estate agent.

Mr G Blyth

New Lease of Life

Just to say thank you very much indeed for all your help in ensuring that my sale went through today.
Your diligence and thoroughness in finding a buyer in this difficult market is much appreciated. It's
been a sad process for me selling my family home but it is also a great weight of my mind and I'm glad
the house is going to get a new lease of life.Thank you again for all your calm help and support.

Mrs Pittaway

'Never Dreamt It Would Be So Fast '

Just to say a big Thank You, I still can't really believe how quickly my house sold, I was thinking
six months at the best but never dreamt it would be less than three weeks, and how smoothly everything
went from start to finish. I've said again that this will be the last move, but if not I shall certainly
be on the phone to Hudson-Moody. I've already recommended you, and I've had e-mails from friends wanting
to know how it is I've moved so fast!